Sale Sharks confirm the signing of Manu Tuilagi’s replacement as Fiji captain heads to the Premiership

Sale Sharks look set to bid Manu Tuilagi farewell at the end of the season, having seemingly recruited his replacement in Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu.

Tuilagi has been linked with a move to France next season, but Nayacalevu will be heading in the opposite direction as he will link up with Sale from Toulon.

Waisea Nayacalevu signs for Sale Sharks

The Fiji star is held in high regard, particularly with his international form last year, leading his side to their historic victory over England at Twickenham. He was also a standout performer for the Flying Fijians as they reached the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.

The explosive centre has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further year and will join up with Alex Sanderson’s Sharks squad ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Premiership season.

Nayacalevu has played over 200 matches in France, mostly for Stade Francais, before joining Toulon, and he says that he is looking forward to his new challenge.

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“I’ve watched the Premiership for a long time, and it’s always been in the back of my mind that I would love to play there one day and experience rugby in England,” the 33-year-old said.

“Now that opportunity has arrived and I’m really, really happy and grateful. I’m so excited to get over there and join the boys and see how I can contribute to the team.

“I have spoken to Telusa Veainu and he only has positive things to say about the club and about Manchester.

“I’m looking forward to playing with some of the guys I’ve played against, like Tom Curry and George Ford. But I also know there are a lot of really talented young players in the Sale Sharks squad, and I’m excited to share my experience and help them develop as much as I can.

“I told Alex that it’s what I’ve been doing for the last few years of my career, and it’s something I’m passionate about.”

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Tuilagi to depart

His move to Sale indicates that Tuilagi will be making the move to the Top 14, with Bayonne, Perpignan and Montpellier all reportedly interested in his services.

The switch would make him ineligible for England from next season which means that the clash against France in the Six Nations is set to be his 60th and final appearance for the Red Rose.

Nayacalevu, who stands at 6’4″ and weighs in at 16st 7lb, spent 10 years at Stade Français before making the move to Toulon in 2022.

The versatile back will offer Sale options at inside and outside centre as well as on the wing. He has represented his country on 34 occasions.

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